Roundtable – Secure SD-WAN; foundation for your digital strategy
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), pronounced “sassy” supports secure branch office and remote worker access. SASE’s cloud-delivered set of services, including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) is driving rapid adoption. Gartner predicts that by 2024, at least 40% of enterprises will have explicit strategies to adopt SASE, up from less than 1% at the end of 2018.
More and more companies are evaluating their network connectivity in the new world, post-pandemic, and the importance of encompassing secure network technologies as part of their digital strategy.
Recently Oreta, together with VMware, hosted a dynamic technology roundtable discussion that mainly focused on the future of SD-WAN and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).
Moderated by Oreta ’s MD, Sachin Verma, several insights and tips were shared during the conversation, including;
Key Insights
- SD-WAN is not a question of if, but when. SD-WAN is hardwired; driven more by a cloud strategy than a network strategy.
- SD-WAN overcomes the challenge faced with less than agile Telcos assisting with speed to market.
- SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is not a bolt-on. It has to be part of your network strategy when deploying SD-WAN. It provides greater convenience, however, with convenience comes a price.
- A company’s security posture depends on what network platform a business uses. More companies are moving towards a user-based security architecture.
- COVID was an eye-opener to many companies regarding the influence technology has on business outcomes. IT needs to take decision-makers (e.g. IT procurement and finance) on the journey from awareness, education, and adoption, and bridge the knowledge gap that exists within some organisations.
- Technology partners must have a proactive outcome-based approach to advising/guiding customers on emerging technologies and trends. Don’t just promote the next ‘shiny’ offer,
- Technology partners should have a genuine willingness to solve a problem – no matter what the issues may be,
- Customers want to purchase an outcome and not be tied down with issues, so that they can concentrate on more strategic aspects of the business.
- Customers want to have trust in the value of the advice and service provided,
- Customers want to adopt a collaborative approach with their chosen technology partner, and work together to develop a successful outcome,
- Customers want their technology partner to be readily available to work with them to resolve issues as and when they arise.